Wicked problems have multiple variables that often require compromise and creative ideas to work toward complicated solutions. I considered why so many teachers are overworked. What is it about the day to day job that leaves us burned out and tired? What responsibilities are necessary and which could be modified to simplify our lives and make our jobs more fulfilling? I drafted a survey, did some research about the causes, and delivered the survey to my colleagues. After a week, I collected the data, and you can see the method and findings below: In addition to my role as a high school teacher, I am the current Vice President, Secondary of my local Education Association. I have been a member of the negotiation team for several years, and have been part of the negotiation of other smaller Letters of Agreement outside of the negotiation window. These LOAs are used between contract negotiations to shore up problems that arise due to the ever changing needs within education. Administration, and their understanding of this problem, is key to finding compromise and solution. I drafted a sample Letter of Agreement that hopes to address some of these issues. Read it here. Topics that educators are able to negotiate do change from state to state. For example, here in Michigan, evaluations are a nonnegotiable topic. However, a district may still work within the law to alleviate some of the teacher workload due to it. While they cannot eliminate the evaluation process, they can lessen some of the stress. The goal of this LOA was to clarify some language and hire support staff to help teachers with some of the problems that they mentioned as unnecessary and issues that caused them to feel overworked. This is just one sample set, from teachers in Mid-Michigan. There is much more work to be done, but we know that the responsibilities of teachers continue to grow. The state of Michigan continues to see a shortage of educators, and without meaningful conversation about how to support educators, it is likely to continue. References:
McGregor, D. (2021, December 16). Why Are Teachers Overworked?. [Video]. YouTube https://youtu.be/sPwvUR-YlkQ
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David McGregorI am an English teacher and cat lover from Genesee County, Michigan who is eager to learn new things. Archives
August 2022
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